REACH Supported Living Program

Abilis can support individuals in the towns in which they prefer to live within Lower Fairfield County. We will help build a system of supports for individuals who are already living independently or have identified a preferred living situation. When choosing a location, we strongly recommend that the home or residential building provides access to public transportation, so that individuals can commute to jobs and participate in social and recreational opportunities as independently as possible with travel training as needed.

Abilis supports a core group of individuals who live in Greenwich and Stamford and will be overseeing a supported living arrangement in Darien beginning in September 2021. The Darien residential program will offer 12 new large studio apartments in two home buildings located in a residential area near exit 13 on I-95. Abilis will provide overnight staffing at this Darien location, as well as vehicles to transport individuals to jobs, shopping locations, and social and recreational activities. Additionally, the residential facilities include a recreation room and outdoor picnic areas. Abilis is looking to identify residents for its Darien location now, so the REACH team can introduce participants and prepare them for living together as part of a community. We anticipate strong demand for the 12 apartments and encourage interested families to contact Kim Trudden, the REACH Program Director at or 203-531-1880 x. 105.

Abilis will help you evaluate different residential options, so you can choose the living arrangement that best meets the needs of your child. For individuals who would prefer to live with one or more roommates, we can help you identify possible “fits” based on age, shared interests, level of independence, and preferred geography. Abilis can draw upon its extensive network of families and individuals Fairfield County to assist with both residential matches and social connections for both parents and their children.

Amy Montimurro, President & CEO, is responsible for the planning and direction of the organization’s operations and programs. She is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and quality of life for the hundreds of individuals and families that Abilis serves. Amy has a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University and has been with Abilis for 30 years. She has extensive experience in managing teams and has led Abilis’ residential growth from 12 homes to 48 to date. During her tenure, Amy has greatly expanded the number of businesses that employ Abilis program participants and has created business opportunities for the organization that provide job training, meaningful employment, and personal growth. Amy is committed to filling unmet needs within the special needs community, which is why she launched the REACH Supported Living Program. She is committed to providing best in class services and supportive environments in which individuals can achieve their full potential.

Jennifer O’Gorman is the Senior Vice President of Admissions and Residential Services. She began her career with Abilis in the Birth to Three program in 1998, providing behavioral support to children on the Autism Spectrum. In 1990, Jenn transferred to the Abilis Day Program as a behavior therapist. Within the REACH program, she helps with admissions, behavioral assessments and support plans, and staff training to deliver individual service plans. Over the years, Jenn has worked in Competitive Employment and supported Residential Services. She holds a Master’s in Education, with a foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University.

Kimberly Trudden is the REACH Residential Director, and our Individual Planning Team coordinator. She is certified in Field Instruction and Benefits Counseling and oversees graduate students from several universities who provide instruction and counseling at Abilis. Kim graduated from the University of New England with a Master of Social Work and celebrated her 10 year anniversary at Abilis in 2019. Kim is the initial primary contact and oversees benefits, program agreements/contracts, schedules staff, and ensures successful program delivery. In all of her many roles, Kim strives to enhance the quality of life for all Abilis program participants.

Luis Velazquez is the Vice President of Day Services and Placement. He is responsible for the oversight and operation of all Abilis Day Services including: REACH Supported Living, 6 transition (LEAP) satellite locations, Project SEARCH internship to work supports, Onsite Day (Habilitation) and Individualized Day supports, Senior supports, and Abilis Businesses. Luis joined Abilis in 2001 and has over 35 years of experience in the field of developmental disability service provision. A graduate of Purchase College, he is also certified through Planned Parenthood as a Sexuality Educator.

The REACH program is highly individualized. The cost is based upon the hours and types of support (behavioral, medical, etc.) a participant needs to achieve agreed upon individual service plan (ISP) goals and objectives each year. As independence increases, program costs decrease. For participants who qualify for state funding, Abilis will work within the service hours allotted and families can supplement services on a private pay basis. Both Kim Trudden and Amy Houla, a staff member with Department of Social Services certification, will ensure that participants receive the maximum level of benefits available to them from cash assistance to food stamps to heating subsidies. For any private pay services, Abilis offers contracts on a yearly or monthly basis according to preference.